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29 While Rio Ferdinand doesn’t necessarily agree with every Ruben Amorim call, he at least appreciates his great impact on Harry Maguire.
The Portuguese was appointed as new head coach in November following the sacking of Erik ten Hag. Nevertheless, the club remains in a state of turmoil and has plummeted further in the Premier League standings. Their most recent defeat to Tottenham left them in a shocking 15th place.
But while several players continue to disappoint under Amorim, Maguire has found a new lease on life. The 31-year-old has been serving the club’s cause since making a £80 million transfer from Leicester City in the summer of 2019, but his time at Old Trafford witnessed some frightening lows, with a large section of the fanbase considering him a lost cause.
Nevertheless, the England international has been showcasing great signs of improvement in recent months, looking much more confident at the back. Perhaps he hasn’t dispelled all concerns just yet, but his enhanced displays have been a breath of fresh air, especially in these tumultuous times.
Rio Ferdinand pleased with Harry Maguire rebound under Ruben Amorim
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Thus, Ferdinand credits Amorim for helping his countryman rediscover his best form, although he notes that the switch to a three-man backline played a pivotal role in the defender’s revival.
“That messaging, Amorim is getting a response from some players,” said the former Man Utd and England centre-back (via The Mirror).
“Harry Maguire, he was dead in the water, surplus to requirements, gone. I think he’s had an element of luck, but he’s also had to really push himself to a good place.
“He’s got a manager playing three at the back, for Harry Maguire that’s a dream, the spaces aren’t so big around him now. He’s got the job now, he’s got to stay in. Now he seems to be playing free, long may that continue.”
Amorim himself had heaped praise on Maguire last December, considering him the perfect player for his tactical system.
